I have a more wordy post that’s almost all ready to go, but it really needs an illustrative picture or two. Since I’m lacking that specific picture, we’ll have a picture-filled miscellany post instead.
Oh, the joys of shopping at Goodwill
Goodwill shopping is probably not the most efficient frugal thing I do.
I could theoretically spend that time doing some other frugal activity, like playing the drugstore game, clipping coupons, or hitting multiple grocery stores to buy loss leaders.
But the thing about Goodwill shopping is that we all have so much fun doing it.
I like the thrill of the bargain hunt, and my children always find things to entertain themselves with.
So, I think the hour or so we spend at Goodwill every other week is totally worth it.
Frugality is such an individual thing, and I think you need to make it work for you. If you love playing the drugstore game but hate baking bread, then roll with it. If yard-saleing is super fun, but hanging your laundry out makes you want to cry, throw your clothes into the dryer and head out to the sales.
Of course, some frugal things are necessary even if they’re not fun, but if you can make frugality enjoyable at least some of the time, you’re going to be much more likely to stick with it.
We’re keeping one oak log
There’s such a disparity in height between the tallest zip line rider and the shortest, we had to err on the tall side when we installed it. This meant that Sonia and Zoe needed help getting off of the line.
Until now, that is.
Even though Joshua and Lisey didn’t exactly need a landing spot, the log makes their dismounts a whole lot smoother.
I suppose this is an awfully expensive way to obtain a landing platform, but since the tree had to come down anyway, we’re glad we could think of a way to make one of the logs useful.
In case you think my children are perfect
On Sunday morning before we went to church, I wanted to take a picture of Sonia in her hat, and Zoe wanted to be in a picture too.
Sonia was less than pleased with this idea.
It probably shouldn’t, but this picture makes me laugh.
As is usually the case, though, the sisterly squabble blew over quickly.
Visiting Grandma
After church on Sunday, we went to visit Mr. FG’s grandma, something we’ve been doing on a more regular basis this past year.
She lives in a pretty gorgeous waterfront condo. I plan to retire here. 
We don’t make the drive for the waterfront views, though. No, we do it for the company.
And we do it because a simple visit from us seems to bring her so much joy. We bring a meal to share with her and a bag of games (she always seems to beat us at Chinese Checkers, although I am proud to report that I tied with her this time!).
The kids always enjoy looking at her collections (especially the elephant collections), and I think she enjoys retelling the stories of how she found each one.
These visits are always a good reminder that things don’t have to be fancy or complicated or expensive to be meaningful…when it comes down to it, spending quality time with people is what really brings blessing and happiness to them.
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I’m regrettably late in informing you all (though I did inform the winner promptly!), but Molly McC. is the winner of the $100 SpaFinder gift card from my Oil of Olay review. Congrats Molly!
Don’t forget that my Libman Freedom Mop review and giveaway is still going on, though, so go enter if you haven’t. A $100 Visa gift card is the prize!
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Today’s 365 post: A forecast full of 80s
Joshua’s 365 post: The pieces we kept from our oak tree (the kids kept some pieces other than the zip line landing stump)
Lilypad says
I also loved seeing the photos of the kids with Mr. FG’s grandma. I used to visit my grandma in her retirement home all the time, she just loved to go out for a “fancy” (Denny’s type!) meal. I miss her so much now. She’s been gone 15 years and it still brings tears to my eyes every time I think of how much her unconditional love meant to me. (My parents and sibling and I had/have much more tumultuous relationships!) Good for you for keeping up with her and making sure your kids will always remember their time spent with their great-grandmother.
WilliamB says
When I was in grad school, whenever my friends and I went out for dimsum we’d invite her tp join us. She liked getting out, being surrounded by lively young things being lively, and a change of environment. She didn’t like dimsum but Chinese restaurants tend to be very accomodating of the elderly; they’d make her a simple noodle dish and give her a fork to eat it with. (I was also aware that being invited out by a grandchild – frequently, too! – increased her social standing at her retirement home, a bonus from my perspective.)
Sarah says
What great photos and a what a wonderful Grandma. That area looks splendid. Wow.
Sharon Berg says
One of my FB friends posted your article on making yogurt and is in the process of making some. And I bragged (a little) that you are my cousin’s wife and how awesome you are. She agreed and thought that was so cool that she knows someone on FB with a family connection to the Frugal Girl.
Kristen says
Oh, that’s funny! lol I feel like such a celebrity now.
Cheryl says
Your children are beautiful. Just be careful buying at goodwill though. I was on another site and a woman got bedbugs from her daughter working at a goodwill. She had to pay alot of money to have them removed. Makes me not want to shop there.
Kristen says
I always thoroughly wash and dry any clothing we buy from there, and I wouldn’t buy a mattress or some other similar item that couldn’t be washed.
carmen @ life blessons says
Oh, I loved this post because I think it is SO true to find what works for you when it comes to frugality. I also enjoyed learning how often you visit Goodwill, because I love thrift shopping (even without buying anything!) but recently started wondering how often other folks go. Since I don’t really have too many things on my shopping wishlist, I haven’t been in over a month. But this has inspired me to go again sometime soon!
Chelsey says
I hope you bought a fedora or two! My son is 5 and has a couple that he loves. People say “I like your hat” and he says “Thanks … It’s a *fedora*.” lol…
Tanya says
Lovely pictures. I appreciate the reminder to focus on the frugal activities you enjoy (I hate going to garage sales because I never find anything good!) and stick with the ones you like.
Marty says
Your kids are so stinking cute! I look forward to the pictures as much as the written content on this blog. Also, you’ve re-inspired me to get more into photography from an “every day life” standpoint, so, thanks for that
Kristen says
Yay!! That’s so wonderful, because I think when you look back on your pictures in 30 years, you’ll be much more interested in seeing everyday life scenes than a posed photo of you and yours in an Olan Mills studio.
Marty says
Yes! Completely agree
WilliamB says
Oh definitely!
Tina (Tightwad Mom) says
I had to laugh when I started reading your post! I found a fedora almost exactly like the one Zoe is wearing ( I bought it for my 12 year old son who has been dying for one), and two metallic star balloon holders just like the girls have on their heads (didn’t buy those) at my local Goodwill (in Idaho). It appears that the contributions to Goodwill run to similar items on the West and East coast!!
I love your post, Mr. FG’s grandmother reminds me of my Hubby’s Grandma, who passed away a couple of years ago. She used to love telling my kids all the stories behind her knick knacks. Grandmothers are treasures from God!
Val @ Balancing Val says
I agree that you have to make saving money work for you.
They talk about the Latte Effect where people waste their money on an expensive drink everyday and how it so useless. Well to some people (im actually not one of them) it is something that truly makes them happy.
You have to weigh in the emotional factor of things too. Maybe you can buy a cup of coffee every day but make your own soap.
Its all about balance
Molly says
Zoe looks like a little Indiana Jones in her fedora. CUTE!
And thank you THANK YOU for the spa finder gift card – I have an appointment for a massage on Saturday of my nice long weekend coming up WOOHOOO!
ND Chic says
I love the hats. So cute!
adventuresindinner says
Lovely photos and looks like you had a terrific weekend. We celebrated Victoria Day in Canada with fireworks unfortunatly no ocean views.
Danielle@ sixtasteschef.com says
I especially like all the Goodwill headwear your kids found! And the pictures at the condo are nice too. I like the miscellany posts.
Tracey says
Gorgeous photos, as always, Kristen. You have such beautiful children (although their chances were good, of course
